Random musings of one Columbian, a place to connect and to learn more about issues and events in Howard County. If you would like to have me blog on an issue, organization or an upcoming community service event email me at duanestclair@gmail.com
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Thursday, October 3, 2013

Kindness4Grace

To lose a child is probably the most traumatic event that any parent could experience. To have a child take their own life only heightened the trauma. We in Howard County were saddened with the news last year that a local young woman had taken her life as a result of bullying. Family and friends of Grace McComas have worked to reduce the incidence of bullying among young people. This was posted on the Facebook page they created about how to remember this young woman's memory:

"Cyber bullying has been an increasing problem in Maryland schools and schools all over the country throughout the past few years. Teens have been bullied electronically through facebook, twitter and texting with nasty comments and threats from none other than their own classmates. According to bullyingstatistics.org, suicide is the third leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 24, and almost half of all suicide victims were bullied.

Easter Sunday 2012, our cousin Grace McComas committed suicide after nearly a year of cyber-bullying. Grace was a girl who inspired happiness and laughter wherever she went. She did not deserve to have to end her life so early. Had Grace been shown the kindness she deserved she would still be alive today. Grace, though is not the only victim of cyber-bullying. In honor of Grace McComas, her 17th birthday, October 9th, is official Kindness for Grace day!

So what do YOU have to do??? Text, tweet (#blue4grace), post on someones wall, e-mail, snapchat, message, insta, etc. something nice and uplifting to let someone know how much you care about them!! Lets make October 9th a SUPER Gracious Cyber- Space!

We know personally that cyber bullying not only affects its victims but leaves scars on their family and friends; that’s why we’re asking you to join us in our efforts to stop the hurting and pain. We want to stamp out cyber-bullying by counter-acting it with kindness and to make this possible we need the help from you, the users of cyber-space!"